Texas freezes installation of Flock cameras along state roads

The Texas Department of Transportation has suspended the issuance of permits for the installation of Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras along state-maintained roadways. The directive, confirmed by an agency spokesperson on Thursday, was issued at the instruction of Governor Greg Abbott. The pause applies specifically to new approvals for cameras on state-owned property and does not impact existing installations.

This administrative action follows rising public discourse regarding the use of surveillance technology. While the agency maintains that its primary role is to ensure the safe and correct installation of equipment on state infrastructure, the suspension comes amid broader discussions concerning the security and privacy implications associated with automated license plate recognition systems.